Authors of research on the impact of drugs on horses say their findings could help reduce the number of doping scandals in the racing industry.
A consortium of Australian universities has pinpointed the length of time it takes for 18 of the most commonly used therapeutic drugs to work their way out of a horse's system.
A biosciences professor at the Queensland University of Technology says knowing that information will provide greater certainty for owners, trainers and vets.
Martin Sillence says horses are not allowed to race if there is any trace of drugs in their system, so treating ill or injured animals has been a risky business.
Mr Sillence says knowing rather than guessing the withholding times will help prevent owners, trainers and vets getting caught out on race day.
